Painting Item Number: 3527/20 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Square piece of barkcloth with various abstract designs painted across surface; done in black. Main design consists of a wavy line that curls around entire painting; triangles and irregular shapes along length. Width of line changes throughout; short lines and arrow-like designs protrude from either side. Additional irregular shapes, rectangles, diamonds, dots, a bird, and curved lines throughout background of painting. Back of barkcloth is undecorated.
The barkcloth is made by men, beating a layer of tree bark until it is thin and pliable. Women paint the designs, which are often symbolic of their forested surroundings, using a mixture of charcoal and natural plant dyes.